Reading Patch Club-Bring excitement to children's reading.

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Chris Galindo
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  The 39th Force Support Squadron Library caters to approximately 200 American and Turkish customers a day, providing them with a variety of services they might not expect at an installation with a population of only 5,000.

The library's latest school-age program, the Reading Patch Club, began Oct. 1 and is scheduled to last until May 15.

According to Maxine Becker, 39 FSS librarian, the Reading Patch Club is a worldwide program designed to increase children's reading.

"A child will read three books in a particular subject such as non-fiction, adventure or mythology, to earn a patch," said Ms Becker. There is a variety of subjects children can choose from.

The program is based on the honor system where parents monitor their child's progress.

"The very first book children read will earn them a hat to place patches on," said Ms. Becker.

For every two patches awarded, there are additional prizes given to the readers, said Patty Gill, 39 FSS library technician and Patch Club coordinator. Once a child reaches the twentieth patch, a special twenty-first "Star Reader" patch will be awarded along with a special prize.

Ms. Gill's 9-year-old son Colby, is participating in the Patch Club.

"Within a week he read three books," Ms. Gill said. "He never wanted to read until the program started; now he wants to read all the time." 

Approximately 100 Incirlik children have registered and are participating in the Reading Patch Club and Ms. Gill has met several Incirlik parents who have had the same experience and say their children are excited about reading.

The Summer Reading Program, which will run through the entire summer is the next big reading program.

This program is designed to encourage children to keep reading even during their summer break. The kids read three books and earn prizes for the books they have read.

"Last year was a huge hit and we had 80 children involved and excited," said Ms. Gill.

For more information of the Reading Patch Club or other library programs call the library at 676-6759